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BECKY Old girl been with us for 7 years, tourists brought her to the centre.
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KAR calls for reforms on the use of poisons. Fifty people of various nationalities gathered at the Watermill Hotel, Girne, by kind permission of Kemal Sivrikaya, for a meeting called by KAR (Kyrenia Animal Rescue) to discuss the indiscriminate use of poison and to try to get the government to control its availability and use. Amongst those present were representatives of KUSKOR and the Malatya/Incescu Action Group, together with many people whose domestic pets had died through ingesting poisonous meat. The apologies of BARK (Bogaz Animal Rescue Kennels) were tendered, as were those of the two Vets invited, who were unable to attend due to work and sickness. It was commented from the floor that it was a deep disappointment that no police, nor government nor municipality representatives had accepted the invitation to be present, nor indeed any Turkish Cypriots or Turks – the latter possibly due to language difficulties. However, it was noted that two Cypriots had come solely to add their names to the petition containing some two thousand signatures which KAR intends to present to the appropriate officials in the near future. Following an official welcome from Margaret Ray, Chairperson of KAR, and an explanation for the purpose of the meeting and the hopes for future achievement to improve lifestyle by way of new remedial government measures concerning the dangerous poisons which are readily available over the counter and which are used to kill domestic and other animals, people were invited to share their own experiences. Some harrowing tales of death of pets were shared, from which it was obvious that in the entire north of the island no areas are excluded from this cruel, outmoded method of ridding neighbourhoods of animals deemed to be nuisances. It is an island wide problem, and is not accidental. Stories were told of dogs being taken from locked gardens; eating poisoned meat whilst being walked on leads; suffering cruelly as poisons took effect almost immediately while helpless owners could do nothing but watch, as well as tourists finding dead dogs whilst on mountain walks, some of which were hunting dogs. It was rumoured that in some instances, inexperienced hunters will acquire dogs just for the hunting season, then either abandon them or poison them rather than have the expense of keeping them for months ahead. Another major problem is the age old practice of shepherds leaving poison to kill predators to their flocks left out on the hills. Some shepherds admit to the practice as being justified to keep their flocks from harm, but seem unaware of any knock on effect to domestic animals. Margaret Ray read out the Cruelty to Animals Law which dates from 1959, which talks of fines and imprisonments for any person found to be guilty of harming any animal. Unfortunately for any prosecution to take place there MUST be a witness prepared to give evidence, and this is rarely found. The police often showed extreme concern when cases were reported, but were extremely hampered in any investigation due to the impossible task of finding witnesses. Ms Ray also advised that shortly new Laws would be implemented, and it was hoped these would soon be made public. Concern was expressed at the number of poisons readily available to the public, and one even greater concern was the ignorance of many vendors. One lady advised how she had asked for Rat Poison, and on being given the product, asked “ Is this harmful to animals such as cats and dogs” and was told “No – it is harmless to animals.” The packet did in fact state categorically that not only was it harmful to animals, it was harmful to humans; should be kept away from children; should not be touched with a naked hand; should be stored in a safe place, and further stated what antidote should be used in the event of any human accidentally swallowing any. Unfortunately ALL the instructions were in Italian, and hence very few people would know the danger of using such a product. The meeting was advised by KAR Committee that pet owners should always have a supply of antidotes available, if only to give time to make the journey to a vet for proper treatment. Antidotes ‘bought’ extra time by stopping the poison reaching the lungs and also helped reduce vomiting temporarily. In the long term, however, the first priority was to persuade the appropriate members of Government to accept the petition and to recognise the dangers of indiscriminate use of poison to children as much as to pets, and to bring in new measures which would control the ease of purchase of poisons and their subsequent abusive use. A voice in the meeting was heard to point out “Mr Talat recently showed concern about a cat that had its head stuck in a tin, so hopefully the government might take us seriously.” Margaret Ray said it was hoped that the Petition would be presented within the month, but in the meantime all concerned people could help in two ways. Firstly if any poison is seen by way of chunks of meat, or chicken bones, then this should be picked up and disposed of in a responsible manner, and secondly one member at the meeting will arrange for an e mail ‘chain’ to be drawn up so that if any poison is seen in any particular area, then an e mail or phone call can be made to warn others in the same locality. The meeting ended with Margaret Ray appealing for continued support from those present and many more members of the community, in particular Turkish speaking peoples who also own pets, to help pressure the government to take active steps for change so that the needless suffering and loss of lives of innocent animals can come to an end which would also result in a greater protection to the environment. “We need to maximise support and hope as many of you as possible will stand alongside us when we present the Petition, and please remember that all animals are special. Most of the animals being poisoned are part of a family, much loved, someone's friend and companion. No individual has the right to kill an animal and in the extremely cruel and brutal way as with poison. KAR will continue to do everything within their power to stop it happening.” (1071) copyright Marion Stuart WASH n SQUASH KITTENS CRY FOR HELP
The poisoning of animals in North Cyprus is a daily nightmare
with street dogs and feral cats, as well as domestic pets, being
killed in this most horrific way. The main culprits appear to be
shepherds who believe that they are 'protecting their flocks',
and local councils attempting to rid their town or village of
unwanted dogs that are the result of years of uncontrolled
breeding by unneutered dogs which have been allowed to roam
freely by irresponsible owners.
Recently incidents of poisoning have escalated far beyond any
acceptable number. Dogs at the KAR Rescue Centre now appear to
targets for poisoning. No less that six dogs have been
deliberately poisoned by a person or persons unknown
when poisoned meat has been placed in and around the Rescue
Centre undercover of night. The affected dogs are only alive
thanks to the quick thinking of staff who rushed the animals to
local Vet Firdez. Working with her assistant Lindsay she has
managed to save them. The long term brain and nerve damage to
these dogs has yet to be confirmed.
In response to this outrage the KAR committee announced that a
£500 reward would be paid in exchange for information leading to
a successful conviction. Friends and supporters have acted
swiftly and pledges have been received to cover the reward
offer. In the event of pledges or donations being received in
excess of £500, the Committee will announce how the extra
money will be used.
New Water Tanks
Two water tanks that were purchased with money donated by Meridies
Homes, a local independent Estate Agents and Janet and Brian Wing,
were finally plumbed in last week.
Brain and Janet Wing are keen supporters of KAR and have recently
given a new home, in England, to one of KAR's canine residents.
Meridies Homes proprietors Sophie Butcher and Esref Govsa donated
enough money to pay for one of the two six ton tanks. Sophie told
Cyprus Today, "Kyrenia Animal Rescue do such a wonderful
job under very difficult circumstances; we are always happy to help
them out wherever we can. I can't bare to think what would happen if
they could no longer afford to continue the work they do. We should
all put our hands in our pockets to help out."
'Handyman' volunteers worked for two days to disconnect the old
rusting tanks and install the huge new plastic ones.
KAR Treasurer Lynda Jorgensen said, "The men, husbands of one of the
centre employees, one of the charity shop volunteers and friends of
KAR, rallied round to help us. It really does restore your faith.
Our thanks go to Barry Mort, Ray Penlington, Ron Hugo and Brian
Godfrey. Davron Builders, who supplied the water tanks, not only
sold them to KAR at a discounted price, but also gave a small
plastic water tank free of charge. We can't thank them enough. The
much needed, and long awaited, new compound to re house the smaller
terrier type dogs is now complete. Although KAR had to buy the
metal, gravel and cement a cash donation from Stringers Estates,
helped to pay for the materials.The labour was given free of charge
by Yigor Property Developments Ltd, and again, huge thanks go to
them. Jane Knobel and her husband George, are steadily making new
kennels for the compounds; some out of wooden packing crates that
have been used to ship people's belongings to Cyprus. They make
great kennels, so if you know anyone with crates that they want to
get rid of, give KAR a ring. All this kindness and generosity really
makes a difference, lets hope it inspires others to act in the same
way."
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Photograph shows Louise Cuthbertson,
representing Meridies Homes with 'Graham', standing in
front of one the new 6 ton water tanks.
KAR in 'Crisis'.......from Cyprus Today newspaper “For the last two years KAR has lost money,” reported a spokesperson. “Obviously, we are not a profit making concern, but we have to balance our incomings with out outgoings, and this is just not happening.” “There is a misconception that KAR is a wealthy Charity. This is far from the truth. Yes, we have an active and successful fundraising group and our Charity Shop raises hundreds of YTL per week but our outgoings are far exceeding our income. People see the vehicles on the road and assume that they have been purchased from extensive KAR funds, but the original VW van was donated by the RSPCA and the two more recent vans were bought with money left to the charity by generous benefactors. People are very quick to ’phone the helpline and they expect an instant collection if there are problem dogs in their area, if they have found abandoned puppies, or if they see an injured animal at the side of the road. It seems that no thought is given to how KAR are supposed to deal with those unwanted animals or where the money will come from in order to treat and care for these animals. We really are at crisis point,” stated the spokesperson.
It is feared that, unless the current financial situation improves, the Charity will have to cease the service that it provides to the Kyrenia district. The knock-on effect of that does not bear thinking about.
“To be frank, people tend to take the Charity for granted and assume that KAR, like the RSPCA in the UK has a bottomless money pot and can sort out every animal problem. I am sure people are not aware of the daily financial struggle. For example, the Rescue Centre needs between 300 and 400 YTL a month for water deliveries alone. The old water tanks leak, so a great deal of the water drips away. KAR has recently purchased two new water tanks with the help of private contributions and a generous local Estate Agent’s donation. But now KAR is unable to spare the money to have them plumbed in. The weekly food bill for the sick, neglected and ill-treated animals, that have been either dumped on or have been rescued by KAR, totals: 193.62 YTL for cats and kittens and: 1,160.00 YTL for dogs and puppies. This only takes in to account the resident animals and does not include the neuter and return dogs that have to be fed while recovering from their operations. The Rescue Centre staff wages have to be paid (more than £2,000 per month); work permits have to be bought; tax and social Sigorta has to be paid; fuel used to run the vehicles has to be bought; animal food has to be bought; and monthly Vets’ bills have to be paid (more than £1,000 per month) … and so it goes on. There was a time when there were not many ‘charities’ collecting money within the TRNC; but now there are many ‘good causes’, and people have only so much spare cash that they are willing to donate. Although KAR is a TRNC registered charity it receives no financial dispensations from the government so it has to pay KDV - but it is unable to claim any back.”
KAR has already noticed a drop in donations this year as a result of the lack tourists. If the number of tourists this coming summer is as low as has been predicted, then it does not bode well for KAR.
Cost cutting has already started in a number of ways, the KAR spokesperson said.
“Army waste food will soon have to become the main diet for the Rescue Centre’s adult healthy dogs. Although this sounds satisfactory, it has to be mentioned that the waste is made up of bread, beans, salad, bones and pasta with very little or no meat and the toothpicks, cigarette ends, chicken bones, matches, citrus peel and other rubbish has to be removed; and, of course, the dustbins of slops have to be collected,” said the concerned KAR spokesperson. “ People who telephone the KAR office asking for help with neutering cats will be asked to wait until the Cat Catching teams can get to them. KAR can no longer afford to hand veterinary payment slips to people who are able to afford to have their pets neutered. People, who take home unneutered dogs and cats from the streets will in the future have to pay their own Vet bills. KAR has always felt proud that it has been able to help those who ask for assistance; but now it will only be able to help those in real need. It will not be possible to cover the cost of operations on animals belonging to people who can afford to pay. Sadly, the Charity can no longer pay for every operation requested by the public.”
The spokesperson reported that even the sending of dogs to new homes in Germany has stopped. “Because the dogs are being sent from a ‘non European’ country, they have to undergo many expensive blood tests to prove that they are healthy, and the cost of these tests makes it too expensive to continue sending dogs,” the spokesperson continued, “KAR really is a victim of it's own success.” UK Bank Account Details for your kind Donations: Bank: HSBC or you can post your
donation to us address details on Contact
Page, cheques made payable to: Please email kar@kyreniaanimalrescue.org with any comments or suggestions for our web site. |
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COLIN Male brown Terrier found in the Old Harbour 3/08.
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